Table 1 shows the clinical characteristics of the study population stratified by gestational age groups (<29 weeks and ≥29 weeks) and birth weights (<1250 g and ≥1250 g). Infants born at <29 weeks or <1250 g were significantly more likely to have severe ROP or undergo laser therapy and had significantly higher rates for sepsis, NEC surgery, PDA surgery, exposure to iNO, and darbepoetin/erythropoietin (data not shown) (Table 1). Additionally, duration of MV support was markedly longer. As noted in Table 1, only 6% of all screened infants ≥ 29 weeks had any noted ROP. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is retinopathy of prematurity.